Gays In Marvel?!
So far, we’ve seen Spider-man date MJ, Gwen Stacy, and show interest in a Black MJ. So what’s next? A gay one?
Let’s face it, the MCU (and when I say MCU, I am specifically referring to the Disney movies. Not the tv shows.) has lacked any real LGBTQ representation. While a few LGBTQ characters have shown up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, none of their sexual orientations have been noted or discussed.
The only outright representation in the film series was a throwaway cameo made by Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo.
That said, two executive producers over at Marvel Studios, vice president of production Victoia Alonso and head honcho Kevin Feige, have admitted to the film franchise’s lack of representation (for Latin and Asian people too).
Feige has also announced that the film franchise will start openly introducing and exploring LGBTQ characters. There are also rumors of Marvel potentially making Captain Marvel gay, casting a gay lead actor (or even a gay character lead) in the upcoming Eternals film, or exploring the sexualities of already introduced characters Valkyrie, Korg, and Ayo.
But what if they add Spider-man to the mix?
Related: Tom Holland saved a fan at autograph signing
A Gay Or Bi Spider Man?
Let’s be honest, there’s a fat chance that Marvel Studios or Sony Pictures would ever make their cash-cow Peter Parker/Spider-Man gay. That said, the actor playing him isn’t against it.
Tom Holland is currently making the rounds to promote the release of his film Spider-Man: Far From Home. And while talking to the Sunday Times, Holland responded to the idea of Peter coming out with positive vibes.
“Yeah of course…I can’t talk about the future of the character because honestly I don’t know and it’s out of my hands. But I do know a lot about the future of Marvel, and they are going to be representing lots of different people in the next few years. The world isn’t as simple as a straight white guy. It doesn’t end there, and these films need to represent more than one type of person,” Holland said.
Honestly, this sounds a lot like a politically correct response to me. Tom Holland was respectful and positive but not too personable in his reply. The perfect response to such a charged topic. And he may even mean it, but he's certainly not fighting for the idea.
Again, there’s no way Spider-man would ever be turned gay. Honestly, Hollywood is running out of ideas on how to spice up Peter’s romantic life. But, they are unlikely to decide on giving him a male lover anytime soon.
The closest the comic book character has ever gotten to it is his bromance with Deadpool. While comic Deadpool would seriously consider the idea of getting with Spider-Man, the webbed hero would rather die. In addition, Tom Holland's Spider-Man is still a high schooler, so there's no chance of even that happening!
The Diverse Future Of Marvel
But again, Marvel execs have been promising a change in the film franchise. They want to include more diversity than their typical straight white male leads.
Taking a moment away from LGBTQ issues, the series is attempting to diversify in many other factors. A Shang-Chi movie has been announced. This means the film franchise will have its first leading Asian superhero. Or, first Asian superhero in general besides Hogun the Asgardian (who got killed in Thor: Ragnorak).
Related: Sorry, Thor wasn't fat shamed in End Game
In addition, Black Panther will return for a new film, Captain Marvel is expected to take a leading role in the franchise, and Falcon has taken on the mantle of Captain America (though, he’s been sidelined to Disney’s streaming platform Disney+).
Then back to LGBTQ issues, there is some suspicion that Captain Marvel will be revealed to be a lesbian. Black Panther 2 may see some elaboration in the lesbian Dora Milaje characters, Pansexual Deadpool has joined the MCU thanks to the Disney/Fox deal, there are rumors of a gay lead to join The Eternals, and Thor’s LGBTQ buddies Korg & Valkryie could potentially rejoin the fun.
So while a gay Spider-Man will probably never happen, he’ll definitely have some LGBTQ friends fighting alongside him in the near future.
